FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
Children Brought Before the Judge
The case began with two young children, Nick and Haley, appearing before Judge Judy.
Judge Judy asked Nick his name.
She then asked him to bring his sister, Haley, forward.
Haley was described as a very pretty girl.
Children Sent Outside
Judge Judy asked the children if they would do a favor for her.
She introduced them to her court officer, Officer Bird.
Officer Bird's name was mentioned.
Judge Judy asked the children to wait outside the courtroom with Officer Bird.
She explained that she wanted to talk to their mom and dad.
Nick asked which door to go out of.
Judge Judy told him to go with Officer Bird.
Laughter was heard in the courtroom.
Officer Bird helped Nick up a chair.
He guided the children out of the courtroom.
Judge Addresses Parents
Judge Judy commented that Nick and Haley were two adorable children.
She acknowledged that the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hannah, had made two adorable children.
She noted that they had some time before the superior court would rule on their divorce.
Judge Judy implored them not to make their children casualties of their mistakes.
She emphasized that the children should benefit from having both parents.
Mrs. Hannah agreed with this statement.
Judge Judy asked Mrs. Hannah if she understood the importance of both parents.
Existing Court Order
Judge Judy stated that Mr. Hannah was currently under a court order.
This order provided that the children should be with Mrs. Hannah.
Mr. Hannah was to have regular visits with them.
Mr. Hannah's Claim
Mr. Hannah claimed that Mrs. Hannah would not take the children.
He stated that he had had the children for all but three weeks since the divorce started.
Judge's Instruction to Mr. Hannah
Judge Judy instructed Mr. Hannah to go back to the superior court.
She told him he needed to move for a change of the order.
This change would be pending his divorce.
Judge Judy stated that Mr. Hannah could not use "self-help" to change the order.
She explained that the law does not permit such actions.
Mrs. Hannah's Financial Struggles
Judge Judy then asked Mrs. Hannah if she was prepared to resume custody of her children.
Mrs. Hannah responded that she could not afford to do it all on her own.
She stated that she received no help.
Mrs. Hannah also mentioned that she was working two jobs.
Money Issues and Divorce Judgment
Judge Judy clarified that money issues were part of the divorce judgment.
She noted that the divorce judgment was scheduled for January '97 or earlier.
Mrs. Hannah Confirms Custody
Judge Judy asked Mrs. Hannah if the children were going home with her today.
Mrs. Hannah confirmed that she wanted them to come home with her.
She stated that she was prepared to take them.
Mr. Hannah's Disability and Accusations
Mr. Hannah stated that he was on disability.
He claimed he had not received help from Lisa, referring to Mrs. Hannah.
Mr. Hannah questioned Mrs. Hannah's ability to afford a cellular phone.
He contrasted this with her claim of having no money for the children.
He asked why she could not do without some "elegance of living" to provide for the children.
Child Support Discussion
Judge Judy reminded Mr. Hannah that the support of children rests with both parents.
Mr. Hannah stated that he would do what the court ordered him to do.
He specified that he paid $66 a month while on disability.
Judge Judy asked him how much disability he received.
Mr. Hannah replied that he received $672 every two weeks.